Will we see Themba Zwane in Bafana Bafana colours ever again? - The chances of a comeback after Achilles injury...

Achilles injuries are notoriously challenging, often requiring a six-month recovery timeline, particularly after surgery. The journey back to full fitness isn’t easy, especially for players in their mid-thirties, as recovery times tend to be longer than for younger athletes. 

For Zwane, this means he won’t be fit to return to competitive play until at least March or April 2025. Even if he meets this timeline, returning to a high-performance level can take another two years, posing serious questions about his future with the national team.

Bafana Bafana’s next Fifa World Cup Qualifiers in March 2025, against Lesotho and Benin, maybe too soon for Zwane to make a comeback. Even if his recovery progresses well, his match fitness and sharpness will likely be lacking, and the national team may need more immediate solutions. 

The next set of competitive matches are scheduled for September 2025, but by that time, Zwane will be nearing his 36th birthday, an age by which many players have either retired or scaled back their international commitments to focus on club football.

According to this medical journal research on Achilles injuries in pro players - older players take longer to regain their peak performance after major injuries, with the full recovery span often extending to two years.

Given that Zwane is at 35, nearing 36, the effects of the Achilles rupture could significantly affect his speed, agility and overall playing ability. For a midfielder known for his quick moves and high game IQ, any reduction in performance could impact his suitability for the high demands of international football.

Historically, many players nearing the end of their careers choose to retire from international football to extend their time at the club level. Zwane might consider following this path, especially as he approaches the average retirement age. 

Focusing solely on club football with Mamelodi Sundowns could allow him to preserve his physical resources and continue contributing to his team without the added demands of international fixtures, which would require him to recover and maintain form at an elite level.

‘Mshishi’s’ career has been nothing short of remarkable, and his contributions to South African football will not soon be forgotten. Whether he will don Bafana Bafana colours again, however, remains uncertain. 

If his focus shifts to making a strong return at the club level, fans might see him aiming to leave a lasting legacy there rather than stretching himself thin with international duties. As Zwane faces these tough decisions, his legacy as one of South Africa’s most talented players remains secure, regardless of whether he returns to the national squad.

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